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Cheetahs change just one

Wed, 08 May 2013 11:56

Cheetahs coach Naka Drotské has made only one injury-enforced change to his starting XV for their Super Rugby encounter with the Hurricanes in Bloemfontein on Friday.

Drotské has included burly flank Frans Viljoen in his starting line-up in the place of the injured Pieter Labuschagne - who damaged his elbow in their 26-12 victory over the Southern Kings two weeks ago.

"Lappies [Labuschagne] has been a crucial player, not only in our own line-outs, but also when it comes to contesting our opponents' line-outs," Drotské said.

"He will be available next week, but for this game it is a big blow for us.

"I do think that the inclusion of Frans will benefit us against a side like the Hurricanes.

"His physical approach is what you need if you want to beat them."

The Cheetahs enjoyed a bye last week and now find themselves second in the SA conference, just two points behind the Bulls.

"We don't have the luxury of a rotation policy because we don't have as much depth as some of the bigger unions," Drotské said.

"The players that played the 10 games before the bye were basically the same players, and I could sense against the Kings that the guys were tired.

"But with regards to intensity there is no excuse not to come back with a bang against the Hurricanes.

"The next four games are crucial for us if we are to contest for a place in the knockout stages."

In the only change among the replacements, Drotské has included flank Boom Prinsloo on a bench that already consists of playmakers like scrumhalf Sarel Pretorius and flyhalf Elgar Watts.